Encyclopedia
Nature generates for own uses a number of structurally very complex objects. Technologists, just like junk dealers, can make use of these objects for solving artificially-unfeasible problems. There are two possible manners of using these wonderful jewels, that nature gifts us: the first possibility is a ‘low-tech’ approach, which mostly consists in breaking the object and using the substance as a chemical reactant. The second possibility, that could be named as ‘high-tech’ approach, is based on the use of the most complex part of the natural object, that consists in its complex geometry or some other characteristics related to the shape. Obviously between these two limit situations there are many other intermediate cases. Let’s consider, for example, the case of diatom frustules, this fossil substance can be broken and converted to thin fragments, consisting in very sharp glass pieces, capable to cut the cuticle of insects and cause their dehydration and death. Indeed, diatomite powder is a very good natural insecticide, characterized by low-cost and high effectiveness. Similarly, the use of this diatomite powder as an abrasive product represents a further example of low-tech application of fossil diatoms. Diatoms frustules can also be used as dryer or as precursor for the chemical synthesis of zeolites (i.e., aluminosilicates), since diatomite is made by amorphous biogenic silica of the best quality. However, there are also many ‘high-tech’ ways to exploit these unique objects generated by the nature. In this case, the very complex architecture of diatoms, made of periodically-arranged micropores, is exploited for technological applications. All types of diatoms always are made by an infinite number of small cylindrical cells with a micrometric diameter (0.1-2 μm), that can absorb a polar liquid and separate it in a very large number of extremely small portions. The capability of diatomite to absorb polar liquids and to finely separate them in many very small portions, physically separated by the frustules walls, is a great potentiality in chemistry, because it prevents the kinetic auto-acceleration of strongly exothermic mass reactions. Such unique potentiality offered by the diatomite frustuli geometry has been exploited by the Swedish chemist Alfred Nobel in the stabilization of an extremely unstable (explosive) substance named nitroglycerine. Further, since diatomite is made of amorphous microporous silica (opal), its potential use (in a wet form) as protonic conductor in technological applications of different types (e.g., fuel cells, gas sensors, humidity sensors, pH sensors) has been proposed too. In this case, the high porous structure of diatomite is strictly needed for the permeation of water in the full powder volume.
20 Nov 2023
The investment slope is a useful managerial tool for investment portfolio decisions. Considering the conventional meaning of the investment line slope, which is the representation of the “rise” (change in investment) over the “run” (change in return), the figure suggests potential relationship between the marginal propensity to invest in Bitcoin and conventional market investment scenarios.
According to conventional market theory, it is expected that an increase in income should induce an increase in investments, pushing the slope upwards. A drop in aggregate income correspondently induces a reduction in investments and correspondingly imprints a downward trend to the slope. The slope of the investment line helps investors to understand the variations of the marginal propensity to invest. The rises and falls of the slope indicate valuable insights on the relationship between income changes that might influence investment decisions.
As more investors adopt Bitcoin (BTC) to diversify their portfolio and earn potentially high returns, demand for this cryptocurrency may increase significantly. In such circumstances, BTC can experience a rapid rise in value, leading to a peak in investment. The cryptocurrency market is volatile and influenced by a multitude of factors in addition to income fluctuations, including geopolitical events, regulations, technological developments and general investor sentiment. Therefore, the bottom of BTC investments can be identified in hindsight, after the price of the cryptocurrency starts to rise. [1]
30 May 2024
Nanoscience and nanotechnology represent an expanding research area, which involves structures, devices, and systems with novel properties and functions due to the arrangement of their atoms on the 1–100 nm scale. Nanotechnologies contribute to almost every field of science, including physics, materials science, chemistry, biology, computer science, and engineering [1].
24 Jul 2024
The Vultures are flapping their wings. The different feather colors underneath. They from different points of origin to mate and or befriended other birds.
07 Aug 2023
Researchers take 1 g for the four samples (marine sediments), pour 20 mL of distilled water with 5mL of pure HCl and researchers take the solutions after filtering to determine the oxides.
29 May 2023
Chimpanzees, belonging to the genus Pan, are remarkable primates native to Africa, known for their close genetic kinship to humans, sharing approximately 98-99% of our DNA. These intelligent and social creatures inhabit the lush forests and woodlands of tropical Africa, including countries like Uganda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Their intricate social structures are dominated by alpha males, emphasizing strong community bonds. Communication in chimpanzee society involves a diverse range of vocalizations and non-verbal gestures. They exhibit tool use, employing sticks and leaves for tasks like extracting insects from tree bark and cracking nuts. As omnivores, chimpanzees maintain a varied diet of fruits, leaves, insects, and occasionally, small mammals. Tragically, their populations are endangered due to habitat destruction, hunting, and disease, necessitating conservation efforts to safeguard their survival and the invaluable insights they offer into the evolution of intelligence and social behavior.
28 Sep 2023
Zebrafish (Danio rerio) have emerged as a pivotal model organism in scientific research, owing to their genetic similarities to humans, rapid development, transparency, and regenerative abilities. These cost-effective fish are valuable for studying embryogenesis, organogenesis, and diseases such as cancer and neurological disorders. Their amenability to genetic manipulation via CRISPR/Cas9 facilitates precise gene function studies, while their use in drug screening and environmental toxicology deepens our understanding of therapeutics and environmental health. Zebrafish also serve as a platform for behavioral research, offering insights into neural and evolutionary aspects, making them an invaluable asset in a broad spectrum of scientific investigations.
19 Sep 2023
Check out our vibrant infographic packed with fun facts: the oldest tournament, most titles, top scorers, and more. Enjoy the rich history of Copa América! ⚽🏆
24 Jul 2024
This is a picture about NVU and PVU
04 Jul 2023
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) remains the major mortality cause in the developed countries with hypercholesterolaemia being one of the primary modifiable causes. Lifestyle intervention constitutes the first step in cholesterol management and includes dietary modifications along with the use of functional foods and supplements.
Functional foods enriched with plants sterols/stanols have become the most widely used non‐prescription cholesterol-lowering approach, despite the lack of randomized trials investigating their long-term safety and cardiovascular efficacy. The cholesterol-lowering effect of plant sterol supplementation is well-established and a potential beneficial impact on other lipoproteins and glucose homeostasis has been described. Nevertheless, experimental and human observational studies investigating the association of phytosterol supplementation or circulating plant sterols with various markers of atherosclerosis and ASCVD events have demonstrated controversial results. Compelling evidence from recent genetic studies have also linked elevated plasma concentrations of circulating plant sterols with ASCVD presence, thus raising concerns about the safety of phytosterol supplementation.
Considering the lack and the inability to design randomized clinical trials addressing cardiovascular efficacy and safety, future studies could clarify whether the relatively small increase in the plasma concentration of circulating phytosterols induced by phytosterol enriched food attenuates atherosclerosis and increases cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. In the meantime, both physicians and consumers should keep in mind that this recommendation might be applied to individuals with hypercholesterolaemia, who are expected to have a cardiovascular benefit, but also that the daily intake must not exceed the recommended dose. Finally, plant sterols/stanols should not be viewed as a substitute for much more effective and evidence-based cholesterol-lowering therapies, especially in individuals at high CVD risk.
31 Aug 2023
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), also known as drones, are aircraft that operate without a pilot on board. They can be autonomously controlled and operated via sensors, microprocessors and other electronic gadgets. UAVs were originally developed for military purposes, but have since found various applications, including commercial, scientific and recreational uses. This infographic shows a brief history of UAVs, from the 19th century until now.
24 Jul 2024
The koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) is a marsupial native to Australia. It is often referred to as a "koala bear" due to its bear-like appearance, but it is not a bear at all. Koalas are arboreal creatures, spending most of their lives in eucalyptus trees, where they feed primarily on eucalyptus leaves. They have a distinctive round face with large, fluffy ears and a stout, furry body. Koalas are known for their slow and deliberate movements, as well as their sedentary lifestyle. They are marsupials, which means they carry and nurse their underdeveloped young, called joeys, in a pouch. Koalas are recognized worldwide as an iconic symbol of Australian wildlife conservation.
15 Sep 2023
Summary [1]:
The African Savanna (Bush) elephant is the world's largest land animal, with adult males standing up to 3m high and weighing up to 6,000kg. They reach full size at 35-40 years and can live up to 60-70 years.
There are three species of elephants: African Savanna, African Forest, and Asian. African elephants have larger ears shaped like the African continent, while Asian elephants have ears shaped like the Indian subcontinent.
Elephant tusks are actually enlarged incisor teeth that continue to grow throughout their lives and are used for feeding and defense.
Their skin is 2.5cm thick in most places, with folds and wrinkles that retain water to help cool them down.
Elephants communicate through various means, including sounds, body language, touch, scent, and seismic signals that create vibrations in the ground.
Elephants have a well-developed temporal lobe, making them known for their exceptional memory, often expressed as "elephants never forget."
11 Sep 2023
Asthma is an inflammatory condition of the bronchial mucosa affecting 10% of children and 5% of adults in Western countries. The disease imposes a high direct burden to health systems in medications, medical consultations, and hospitalizations. Asthma is also associated with significant school and work absenteeism and presentism in children and adults. Moreover, the condition is closely related to inflammatory diseases of the upper airways, further amplifying its impact.
24 Jul 2024
Hankou Riverbank is located on the northwest bank of the Yangtze River and covers an area of 1.6 million square meters. It is adjacent to the landscape of Yanjiang Avenue, the scenic spot of the Dragon King Temple, the walking street of Jianghan Road, the Yellow Crane Tower, and the backwater of the Yangtze River.
13 Feb 2023
The red panda was the original "panda" over 50 years before the giant panda! With masked faces and bushy tails as pillows, they’re bamboo-loving, treetop acrobats.
24 Jul 2024
-Dependent and -independent pathways to control circulating low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels. LDL can be controlled by inhibiting production or by enhancing clearance. Another pathway that controls circulating LDL is by inhibiting the absorption of dietary cholesterol through the inhibition of Niemann–Pick C1-Like1 (NPC1L1). By inhibiting cholesterol synthesis via HMGCOA reductase, apoB synthesis, and formation of hepatic VLDL, the secretion of VLDL can be reduced. LDL receptor is the main player in the removal of circulating LDL. PCSK-9 also contributes to LDL concentration indirectly by influencing the degradation of low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR). The inhibition of both apoCIII and ANGPTL3 increases LPL activity, which in turn, hydrolyzed triglycerides in the highly atherogenic lipoproteins, TRL, and increases the uptake of apoB-containing lipoproteins by the liver. Thus, by enhancing the LDLR activity via inhibition of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) and accelerating the clearance of atherogenic triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRL) by inhibiting apoCIII and angiopoietin-like 3 (ANGPTL3), the levels of LDL can be reduced, which leads to protection from atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
04 Jul 2023
This graphically simplified representation outlines different approaches for the synthesis of Polyphenol-based nanoparticles (NPs) used in various medical applications[1]:
(A) Enhanced intracellular protein delivery is achieved by complexing RNase A and polyphenols through Schiff's base reactions, followed by a secondary complexation with boronic acid polymers through reactions between boronic acids and diol-based molecules.
(B) Hydrophobic drugs are non-covalently bonded to tannic acid (TA).
(C) MMP-2-sensitive S-αPDL1/ICG nanoparticles are created by complexing αPDL1 with the photosensitizer ICG, stabilizing it with dEGCG, and compressing it with PEGylated EGCG dimer.
(D) Polyphenol-coated mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) loaded with doxorubicin (DOX) are developed for targeted cancer treatment. EGCG-modified MSNs are used for drug delivery, with DOX loaded into the MSNs through noncovalent adsorption. An amine-terminated DNA aptamer ensures physiological stability and controlled drug release.
(E) Den−DOX−TA−Fe3+ (DDTF) nanocomplexes are fabricated for delivering DOX to the nuclei by coating the DOX−Den complex with TA−Fe3+ metal–polyphenol networks.
07 Sep 2023
In the ABTS assay, the ABTS•+ radical cation was generated by mixing an aqueous solution of ABTS (7 mM) with potassium persulfate (2.45 mM) and incubating the mixture in the dark at a low temperature (in a refrigerator) for 16 hours. Before use, the resulting ABTS•+ solution was diluted with ethanol to achieve an absorbance of 0.7 at 734 nm. Subsequently, 20 µL of samples at various concentrations were combined with 1980 µL of the ABTS•+ solution, and the mixture was incubated for 6 minutes at room temperature in the dark. As a control, a solution was prepared by mixing 20 µL of ethanol with 1980 µL of the ethanolic ABTS solution. Finally, the absorbance at 734 nm was measured to evaluate the antioxidant activity.
03 Sep 2023
2D gold single crystals have been obtained by annealing a dispersion of gold nanoparticles in amorphous polystyrene. The Ostwald ripening mechanism allows the formation od such 2D nanostructures.
19 Jul 2023
